IRNA - Iranian international foward Mehdi
Mahdavikia is to depart German first division team Hamburger SV, should
the team fail to qualify for a berth in the European Cup competitions,
media reports said Thursday.
"If we play internationally, I will stay with Hamburger SV. There would be
no reason to leave," Mahdavikia was quoted as saying in the Hamburger
Morgenpost newspaper.
Hamburg is currently ranked fifth in the league standings which would
qualify them for a UEFA Cup spot.
Meanwhile Mahdavikia's manager, Reza Fazeli has postponed all contract
extension negotiations until the end of May when the Bundesliga season
ends.
Several English football clubs, among them powerhouse Manchester United,
are reportedly keen on signing Mahdavikia.
Considering Mahdavikia as the best right winger in the
Bundesliga,Hamburg's coach Kurt Jara has repeatedly voiced his concern
that the former Pirouzi player could be signed up by other top European
teams after the expiration of his contract in the summer of 2004.
The soft-spoken 25-year-old player is currently leading the Bundesliga
assist list and has played a decisive role in his team's recent string of
victories.